All posts by afamilyworks

Kerry Draney MS, LMSW

Kerry is a Licensed Master Social Worker. She earned her B.S. degree at Utah State University in Music Therapy. Her dual master’s degrees in Social Work and Public Administration are from Arizona State University. Kerry began her career as a Board-Certified Music Therapist where she provided home-based services for clients with developmental disabilities. She is also experienced working in the hospital setting with patients in the psychiatric, antepartum, NICU, pediatric and geriatric units. She enjoys using music as a modality in her work as a therapist as she believes music has the ability to reach the mind, body and spirit when other modalities cannot. Whether adult or adolescent, Kerry’s warm, kind and peaceful presence is inviting to her clients, where they find a natural connection.

For nearly a decade, Kerry has been a school social worker with elementary age children and adolescents with diverse backgrounds.

In addition, Kerry teaches Stress Management Tools (SWU 250) at Arizona State University through the School of Social Work.
Kerry’s preferred modalities are mindfulness, CBT, motivational interviewing, solution-focused brief therapy and when appropriate and invited, spirituality.

In her free time, Kerry enjoys traveling, gardening, and spending time with her family.

Sherri Bair, MS, LAC

Please join us in welcoming our newest member of A Family Works Counseling.

Sherri is a Licensed Associate Counselor. She earned a BS degree from South Dakota State University, and two Master of Science degrees, one in Counseling and Human Development and another in Child and Family Studies, where she was twice published in her research. Sherri has worked with teen birth mothers and their families for LDS Family Services, counseled victims of rape and domestic violence at The Compass Center in South Dakota, and taught courses at her alma matter, SDSU. She has given many presentations in marriage, parenting, depression, anxiety and adoption.

Additionally, her specialties include grief and loss. Along with professional training in grief, she experienced personal grief after losing her husband of 40 years to cancer. Sherri is highly qualified to help cancer survivors and family members who have lost their loved ones in what she has stated is, “one of the hardest things a person can experience in life.”

Sherri loves the word “choose” and enjoys helping her clients develop the ability to see and consider more options that don’t at first seem apparent, which can help clients progress successfully through life’s challenges.

Sherri has enjoyed living in many parts of the country and has family located all over. Sherri is proud of her 5 adult children, and of her 19 grandchildren – she loves spending time with all of them. She also enjoys reading, sewing and going for walks.

Sharon Cummings

Sharon Cummings MS, LCSW

Sharon is a licensed Social Worker. She earned her B.S. from Utah State University and her Masters in Social Work from Arizona State University. Sharon has worked in the behavioral sciences field for more than eighteen years. She began her career as a probation officer for Maricopa County working with and counseling juvenile offenders. Sharon quickly discovered how much she enjoyed working with teens and watching their progress.  Thereafter, she began successfully counseling birth mothers and adoptive couples for L.D.S. Family Services.  At A Family Works Counseling, Sharon enjoys working with her clients, especially teens, and couples. Regardless of age, her clients feel a connection, and her passion towards helping others. She proactively helps them to establish behavioral boundaries, change behaviors and cultivate new approaches to their difficulties. She is a strong advocate for victims of abuse and strives to create positive growth through the healing process. Sharon is earnest, energetic and versatile.

Sharon loves life especially when spending time with her two children, extended family and traveling.

Rachel Smith

Rachel Smith, MC, LPC

Rachel is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She earned a BA degree from the University of Minnesota and a MC degree from Arizona State University. With experience in both private practice and hospital settings, she works with children, teens, and adults. She spent time at Banner Desert Medical Center working with oncology patients and their families in various stages of the disease. She has experience in treating depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, grief, crisis, and trauma. She has additional experience with adoptive parents, biological parents, and adopted children. As a professional, she strives to help her clients find peace, balance, and an increased understanding of their emotions and behaviors within a safe environment. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family.

Russell Beazer, MS, LMFT

Russell Beazer is the founder and owner of A Family Works Counseling. He has provided successful therapy for couples, families, individuals and teens with a large variety of needs since 2001. Russell received his Masters in Marriage & Family Therapy from Virginia Tech, a top MFT program in the nation. He draws from his superior education to assist his clients in defining their goals and utilize the best treatments available. Because of his training and his congenial personality, Russell is very versatile and often receives referrals to work with difficult situations and those who feel “stuck” with previous attempts at therapy. As an expert in relationships he enjoys meeting with all ages and genders in various stages of the family. He adapts to his clients, both those wanting the firm, direct approach, and those who want the more collaborative, guiding therapist. Most of his clients are looking for tools they can use to change their lives. Russell has many tools he offers because therapy is not “one size fits all.” He offers insight, perspective, understanding and accountability. His clients come back to him for his ability to identify their needs and provide useful interventions.

You may have seen his appearances on Sonoran Living, a morning show on Channel 15 (ABC) where he took questions from live callers. He was also a guest on KMLE, a local radio station.

“I’ve been doing this since 2001, and I still love what I do.”

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